With the acquisition of Dalbello, the Volkl/Marker group has expanded their product offering and the development dollars we foresaw have elevated the presence of Dalbello Lime Green at the highest levels of the sport.​Dalbello pays attention to detail; “Contour 4”, which Dalbello also refers to as foot mapping, is an facet of their shell designs that creates relief spots for areas of the feet that often need accommodation: the ankles, “sixth toe”, Navicular and heel. These relief areas are in all Dalbello shells, conventional 4-buckle or 3-buckle cabrio.

KRYPTON 110 + CHAKRA 85

Dalbello’s investment in development of the KR Cabrio 3-piece shell has brought distinctive performance parameters as well as unique fit. We’ll have the Krypton at a 110 flex and the ladies Chakra at 85. A fairly broad and predictable range of fore/aft motion and terrific lateral stiffness distinguishes the performance of the KR series. The rear spoiler support is super stout. The ankle flex throughout the range of motion is smooth and sinuous.

The unique fit comes into play perhaps as much for the shaft of the boots than the foot fit; the upper cuff is comparatively tall and envelops the lower leg intimately. The KRypton is one of the few ski boots that will actually fully wrap and confine skinny legs rather than the “straw in a glass” found with most 4-buckle configurations. For folk with slender lower legs the presence of the entire upper cuff radius to the lower extremity is unique and the immediacy of the response is gratifying.

A small caveat; for skiers who are used to foot steering, the cuff height the KR’s tend to inhibit certain muscle groups responsible for eversion. There are ways to combat this-footbeds and proper canting being one-and for the most part complaints of this nature can be mitigated.

The Krypton fit is essentially medium volume. Contour 4, snug heel and mid-foot, reasonable instep height and anatomical forefoot sculpting makes a pretty comfy home…good wiggle room for the toes too. The Krypton shells have been lightened up some, weight didn’t seem to be much of an issue but lighter shells have a more playful feel and at the end of the day less weight translates perhaps to a bit less fatigue. ​One does not normally think of the composition of plastics as a technological feat but boot manufacturers across the industry are looking at using less material while maintaining the structural integrity necessary to perform the functions required. Dalbello sees the light.

AVANTI 120 / 95

The Avanti comes back unchanged. The 100mm Avanti sold through well; it has a good blend of rear-and mid-foot support and forefoot width. The Avanti 120 can be driven hard but does not make undue demands when you want to relax and cruise.

Forefoot width measurements do not tell the whole story of any ski boot, internal volume is often as or more indicative of what proportions a boot will have and what foot type will fit into it.

In light of that, the 100mm Avanti is medium volume; the rear-foot is well contoured and transitions well into a close fitting medial mid-foot. The lateral mid-foot tapers into the Contour 4 shaped forefoot and anatomical toe box. The instep height is average, neither high nor low.

The woman’s Avanti 95 has a good balance of power and forgiveness. Snow feel is excellent. Response to skier input is precise but, like the man’s boot, it is easy enough to relax a bit without the boot being too exacting.